Brad Treliving Urged to Acquire Power Forward From Divisional Rival Following Insider Report
The Toronto Maple Leafs could look to a heated divisional rival for some forward help as the trade deadline approaches according to a new report.
As the trade deadline quickly approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up to make a big move. Whether it's for a defenseman, a third line center or they make a big splash; someone is going to come in to the lineup in hopes of being the key piece the team needs.
With all the names being tossed around for the team to go after, there are still several potential pieces who might be able to be parted with, especially if the price is right. One of those names could be the Buffalo Sabres' Alex Tuch.
A workhorse on the bottom six, the hulking 6'4 power forward would fit perfectly in with the Maple Leafs and offers a scary mix of size, scoring and defense.
But can Toronto possibly afford him?
Alex Tuch's Price May Be Too Much For Toronto To Justify
It's unknown the exact price for Tuch, but considering he was central part of the Jack Eichel deal, it's safe to say that Buffalo isn't going to let him go for cheap.
Ideally, Buffalo would like to get a first round pick for him, although that's a steep price to pay and he doesn't play too much center; which is a big need for Toronto this season.
He has some success in that regard however isn't a true center but would certainly bring a ton of scoring to Toronto's second line. John Tavares and William Nylander lack that physical scoring presence that Matthew Knies offers the first line, so bringing in Tuch would solve that issue.
But it's going to cost a premium pick and perhaps a prospect like Nikita Grebenkin in addition to the pick. Tuch also carries a modified no-trade clause (though it only includes five teams) and is a bit costly at $4.75M for this season and the next.
Toronto has to be concerned about the future contracts of Mitch Marner, John Tavares and Matthew Knies; so is there money available or is Tuch a rental until summer?
This season, Tuch has 22 goals and 24 assists in 58 games for the Sabres while bringing some solid defense with 86 blocked shots as well in 19:20 TOI.
It'll be hard pressed for the Maple Leafs to acquire Tuch but never say never in today's NHL, but we'll know Brad Treliving's game plan on March 7.
